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Gildan T-Shirts Review: The Best Blank T-Shirts for Streetwear

Diego 4 min read

Last Updated: 09/16/2026


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A photo of a Gildan shirt

Gildan has become one of the most popular brands in the t-shirt market, especially within the streetwear community. Known for their affordability and a wide range of colors, custom Gildan t-shirts have a love-hate relationship among users. In this detailed review, we will explore various aspects of Gildan t-shirts to help you decide if they are the right choice for your streetwear brand. We will cover pricing, sizing, printing, washing, and overall quality.

Pricing: Affordable Options for Every Budget

Custom Gildan shirts are priced competitively, making them an attractive option for both individual buyers and bulk purchases. For those who prioritize budget without sacrificing reliability, the Gildan G500 Heavy Cotton Shirt is a popular option often chosen for large events and bulk orders.

Additionally, Gildan offers flexible payment options through PayPal and Klarna, allowing buyers to pay in four interest-free installments. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for small businesses and individuals who need to manage their cash flow carefully.

Sizing: Versatile Fit for Various Styles

Gildan custom t-shirts are known for their true-to-size fit, which caters to a broad audience. For those who prefer a more relaxed, boxy look, sizing up is recommended. The fabric of Gildan t-shirts is soft to the touch, adding to the overall comfort and appeal. Here's what to consider regarding sizing:

  • โ€ข True to size: Offers a standard fit that suits most body types.
  • โ€ข Boxy look: Size up for a more relaxed, streetwear-inspired fit.
  • โ€ข Soft feel: Enhances comfort, making the custom shirts pleasant to wear for extended periods.

If youโ€™re looking for a higher-end option that also offers sleek fits and versatile styling, the Los Angeles Apparel 1801GD T-Shirt is worth exploring.

Printing: Diverse Customization Options

Customization is a significant aspect of streetwear, and Gildan custom shirts provide several printing options. This flexibility allows creators to experiment with different techniques to achieve their desired look. The most popular printing methods among Gildan users include:

  • โ€ข Heat transfers: 52%
  • โ€ข Screen printing: 21%
  • โ€ข Blank (no printing): 19%
  • โ€ข DTG Printing: 2%
  • โ€ข Sublimation: 1%
  • โ€ข Embroidery: 1%
  • โ€ข Other methods: 4%

Heat transfers are the most commonly used method due to their ease of application and versatility. Screen printing is also popular, offering durability and vibrant colors. The remaining methods, while less common, provide unique opportunities for customization.

Washing: Durable and Reliable

Custom Gildan shirts are designed to withstand regular washing, with minimal shrinkage and color fading. However, some issues have been noted, particularly with the white t-shirts. Here are the key points:

  • โ€ข Little to no shrinkage: Maintains the fit and size after washing.
  • โ€ข Collar wrinkles: The collar may develop wrinkles after washing, which can be ironed out.
  • โ€ข White t-shirts dull after wash: The white t-shirts may appear dull after multiple washes, giving a worn-out look.

Despite these minor issues, the overall durability of these custom shirts makes them a reliable choice for everyday wear and frequent washing.

Quality: A Balance of Softness and Durability

Gildan custom t-shirts offer a good balance between softness and durability, making them suitable for various uses. Here are the main quality attributes:

  • โ€ข Softness: Ranges from very soft to average, providing comfort for the wearer.
  • โ€ข Material Quality: Rated as excellent, with the fabric holding up well over time.
  • โ€ข Durability: The t-shirts maintain their integrity after multiple washes, with prints staying intact.

The only notable drawback is the transparency of the white t-shirts. If worn over another garment, such as a tank top, the underlying layer may be visible. However, this issue is relatively minor compared to the overall benefits.

Conclusion

Gildan custom t-shirts are a cost-effective and versatile option for streetwear brands and individual buyers. They offer a wide range of colors, excellent customization options, and durable quality. While the white t-shirts may lose some brightness after washing and have minor transparency issues, the overall value and versatility make custom Gildan t-shirts a top choice in the market.

That said, if youโ€™re exploring alternatives in the same category, donโ€™t miss our full review of the Anvil 980 High-Quality Blank T-Shirt. Another reliable and cost-effective option for custom apparel projects. And for those deciding between Gildan fleece options, our sweatshirt vs. hoodie breakdown is a useful reference for choosing the right blank.

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